Optical Edge Profile Detection for Glass Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cutting and shaping glass with stringent form factors, such as for smartphones and hard drives, face challenges in achieving precise dimensions and surface roughness, which are difficult to meet with mechanical cutting techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a light source, detector, and processor that emits light onto a target, captures light interaction, and processes it to determine the edge profile, including edge symmetry, dimensional deviations, and vibration signatures, using techniques like gradient derivative processing and interference patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical cutting techniques are used to cut and shape glass, then the manufacturing process is simple and equipment is readily available, but the manufacturing precision and surface roughness cannot meet stringent form factor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods with optical detection. A light source emits light onto the glass edge, and a detector captures the reflected or transmitted light patterns. The processor analyzes these optical signals to determine edge profile, symmetry, and dimensional deviations, eliminating the need for complex mechanical contact measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary between the measurement system and the glass edge. The light interacts with the glass edge profile, encoding dimensional and surface information into optical patterns that can be detected and processed, serving as a non-contact mediator for precise measurement.
2Measurement precision
If optical detection methods are used to measure edge profiles, then measurement precision is improved, but the detection system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. The same light source and detector configuration can measure edge profile, dimensional deviations, and surface characteristics across different glass components (disks, touchscreens), reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used, then the equipment is simple and easy to operate, but the detection precision and resolution are insufficient for sub-diffraction limit features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or contact-based measurement methods with optical detection. By using light interaction with the glass edge and processing the resulting optical patterns, the system achieves resolution beyond the diffraction limit without requiring physically complex measurement apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs signal processing techniques that transform the detected light patterns into enhanced edge profile information. By applying gradient derivative processing and analyzing interference patterns, the system extracts precise edge location and surface information that exceeds the nominal optical resolution limits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of edge profiles, enhancing edge fidelity and resolution beyond the diffraction limit, allowing for precise determination of glass edges and surfaces, suitable for both hard drive and touchscreen applications.
Implementation Method 1
The detector is configured to receive light interaction between the emitted light and the target
Implementation Method 2
processes it to determine the edge profile, including edge symmetry, dimensional deviations, and vibration signatures, using techniques like gradient derivative processing and interference patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a light source, a detector, and a processor. The light source is configured to emit light onto a target. The detector is configured to receive light interaction between the emitted light and the target. The processor is configured to receive the light interaction between the emitted light and the target and further configured to process the light interaction to determine an edge profile associated with the target.